Nettles

[Steve]

Hi to all,

Just took my dogs for a walk and saw a load of nettles, I remember someone saying something about making a liquid feed out of nettles but I don't know how or if its true does anyone out there??????

[Alice]

Hi Steve, yes it's true. If you go into Google and type in nettle manure you'll get the full instructions. Good luck.

[bramble]

Hi Steve, yes its a great feed for the plants but the smell is just AWFUL. I did it a few weeks ago and don't know if i will do it again. Be warned.

[JennieAtkinson]

I make a potion each year, and as Bramble says, it fairly pongs! But I have been told it is better than anything you can buy in the shops. You have to use young nettles though, so this is the time of year to make it. I dilute 1 part nettle potion to 10 parts water and use on veg.

[Steve]

Thanks all,going to give it a try it will give OH something else to moan at

[Birdie Wife]

If you're looking for something else to do with all those nettles, how about nettle soup? Much MUCH nicer than it sounds, honest! I've made it a few times. I'll post it in the recipe section.

[jaybex]

If you're looking for something else to do with all those nettles, how about nettle soup? Much MUCH nicer than it sounds, honest! I've made it a few times. I'll post it in the recipe section.

or try tea, again, much nicer than it sounds, I drink it a lot but have to confess to having the shop bought type rather than making my own...maybe I should start!

[Sunbeam]

I have a nettle brew sitting in an old fishtank outside - it's probably been sitting there for about 3 weeks now and is 'high' to say the least!- what do I do with it now - bottle it? Dilute it? Is there anythink I shouldn't use it on??
How long does it last - the entire patch behind my OH's workshop is asolutely covered with nettles and maybe I can make it in bulk this year then get rid of them all together so we can use the area...!!

[JennieAtkinson]

Sunbeam - I strain mine off into an old water bottle and then dilute it, normally 1:10 parts water and feed veg with it. I find the nettle brew only works best with young nettles. One year I left it too late and picked older nettles and they didnt seem to steep very well, it was quite watery and not the same sort of liquid at all.
I put the steeped nettles in the compost bin.

Hope this helps.

PS Don't get rid of all your nettles, as butterflies love them! I always keep a patch growing somehwere just for the butterflies.

[Sunbeam]

Many thanks for this - I will strain it off today and start feeding the plants with it! Never fear about getting rid of all the nettles - we have so many that I don;t think it is physically possible !!